Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Beads - African Trade

Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads - African Trade

Discover the allure of these rare, antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, an extraordinary find for collectors and enthusiasts. Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, these beads are exemplary of authentic African trade artifacts, treasured for their vibrant, intricate patterns and captivating history.

• Size: 14-15 mm in length, 9 mm in diameter
• Condition: Very good with light chipping and beveled ends (see photos).

Each bead showcases the complex art of millefiori ("a thousand flowers")—a technique perfected by Venetian artisans, where layers of glass rods create beautiful, mosaic-like floral patterns. These beads not only highlight Venetian glassmaking excellence but also bear the legacy of African trade networks, particularly in Ghana and other regions. Highly valued in African communities, these beads served both as currency and as symbols of social prestige.

Own a piece of history with these antique mosaic glass trade beads, a rare addition to any collection.

Explore more in our collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads